Browse All Courses by Category

Only from Audible

The Science of Extreme Weather

By:
Eric R. Snodgrass,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Eric R. Snodgrass

Length: 12 hrs and 55 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4 out of 5 stars
30

Performance

4 out of 5 stars
30

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
29

Thanks to an ongoing revolution in the science of meteorology, we can now understand how extreme weather conditions arise, produce far more accurate forecasts, and know how to protect ourselves when dangerous conditions develop. The Science of Extreme Weather is your field guide to the worst that Earth’s atmosphere can inflict. In 24 exciting, informative, and potentially life-saving half-hour lectures aimed at weather novices and amateur forecasters alike, you gain a surprisingly powerful tool in the face of such overwhelming forces: knowledge.

2 out of 5 stars

Interesting, but an absolute mess of a recording

By
Keith
on
01-10-19

Changing Body Composition Through Diet and Exercise

By:
Michael Ormsbee,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Michael Ormsbee

Length: 12 hrs and 59 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
166

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
150

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
147

Changing Body Composition Through Diet and Exercise presents the latest scientific research about changing your body composition, along with diet and exercise recommendations in incremental steps that men and women of all ages and fitness levels can follow. Led by Professor Michael Ormsbee, Assistant Professor and Interim Director of the Institute of Sports Sciences and Medicine, you will gain access to cutting-edge research that demonstrates what does - and doesn’t - work.

4 out of 5 stars

Basic Knowledge

By
Swage
on
12-18-18

Robotics

By:
John Long,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
John Long

Length: 12 hrs and 43 mins

Original Recording

Overall

3.5 out of 5 stars
18

Performance

4 out of 5 stars
17

Story

3.5 out of 5 stars
17

The future of human civilization depends on collaborative robotics: humans and machines working together. Professor Long demystifies the world of robots and provides a comprehensive introduction to these intelligent machines. Whether you’re looking to grasp the hard science of how robots work or simply curious about the implications of robots for society, consider this course your official passport to an astonishing new world.

1 out of 5 stars

Pointless as an audio book

By
Charlie Firneno
on
01-10-19

The Intelligent Brain

By:
Richard J. Haier,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Richard J. Haier

Length: 8 hrs and 43 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
31

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
25

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
26

No feature of the mind is as important, controversial, and mysterious as intelligence. It is the epitome of brain function, and it has a powerful influence on success in life. Now in The Intelligent Brain, taught by one of the world’s foremost researchers on intelligence, Professor Richard J. Haier of the University of California, Irvine, you’ll trace the fascinating history of intelligence testing and its leading thinkers, as well as what brain imaging studies and the most recent research findings reveal about this most complex of human phenomena.

5 out of 5 stars

Excellent review of the Science

By
Trebla
on
12-12-18

The Science of Extreme Weather

By:
Eric R. Snodgrass,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Eric R. Snodgrass

Length: 12 hrs and 55 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4 out of 5 stars
30

Performance

4 out of 5 stars
30

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
29

Thanks to an ongoing revolution in the science of meteorology, we can now understand how extreme weather conditions arise, produce far more accurate forecasts, and know how to protect ourselves when dangerous conditions develop. The Science of Extreme Weather is your field guide to the worst that Earth’s atmosphere can inflict. In 24 exciting, informative, and potentially life-saving half-hour lectures aimed at weather novices and amateur forecasters alike, you gain a surprisingly powerful tool in the face of such overwhelming forces: knowledge.

2 out of 5 stars

Interesting, but an absolute mess of a recording

By
Keith
on
01-10-19

Changing Body Composition Through Diet and Exercise

By:
Michael Ormsbee,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Michael Ormsbee

Length: 12 hrs and 59 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
166

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
150

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
147

Changing Body Composition Through Diet and Exercise presents the latest scientific research about changing your body composition, along with diet and exercise recommendations in incremental steps that men and women of all ages and fitness levels can follow. Led by Professor Michael Ormsbee, Assistant Professor and Interim Director of the Institute of Sports Sciences and Medicine, you will gain access to cutting-edge research that demonstrates what does - and doesn’t - work.

4 out of 5 stars

Basic Knowledge

By
Swage
on
12-18-18

Robotics

By:
John Long,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
John Long

Length: 12 hrs and 43 mins

Original Recording

Overall

3.5 out of 5 stars
18

Performance

4 out of 5 stars
17

Story

3.5 out of 5 stars
17

The future of human civilization depends on collaborative robotics: humans and machines working together. Professor Long demystifies the world of robots and provides a comprehensive introduction to these intelligent machines. Whether you’re looking to grasp the hard science of how robots work or simply curious about the implications of robots for society, consider this course your official passport to an astonishing new world.

1 out of 5 stars

Pointless as an audio book

By
Charlie Firneno
on
01-10-19

The Intelligent Brain

By:
Richard J. Haier,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Richard J. Haier

Length: 8 hrs and 43 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
31

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
25

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
26

No feature of the mind is as important, controversial, and mysterious as intelligence. It is the epitome of brain function, and it has a powerful influence on success in life. Now in The Intelligent Brain, taught by one of the world’s foremost researchers on intelligence, Professor Richard J. Haier of the University of California, Irvine, you’ll trace the fascinating history of intelligence testing and its leading thinkers, as well as what brain imaging studies and the most recent research findings reveal about this most complex of human phenomena.

5 out of 5 stars

Excellent review of the Science

By
Trebla
on
12-12-18

The Science of Information: From Language to Black Holes

By:
Benjamin Schumacher,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Benjamin Schumacher

Length: 12 hrs and 19 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
112

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
99

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
99

The Science of Information: From Language to Black Holes covers the exciting concepts, history, and applications of information theory in 24 challenging and eye-opening half-hour lectures taught by Professor Benjamin Schumacher of Kenyon College. A prominent physicist and award-winning educator at one of the nation’s top liberal arts colleges, Professor Schumacher is also a pioneer in the field of quantum information, which is the latest exciting development in this dynamic scientific field.

5 out of 5 stars

Almost perfect. Broad scope with good depth.

By
James S.
on
01-02-19

Thermodynamics: Four Laws That Move the Universe

By:
Jeffrey C. Grossman,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Jeffrey C. Grossman

Length: 12 hrs and 34 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
74

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
64

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
64

Nothing has had a more profound impact on the development of modern civilization than thermodynamics. Thermodynamic processes are at the heart of everything that involves heat, energy, and work, making an understanding of the subject indispensable for careers in engineering, physical science, biology, meteorology, and even nutrition and culinary arts. Get an in-depth tour of this vital and fascinating science in 24 enthralling lectures suitable for everyone from science novices to experts who wish to review elementary concepts and formulas.

4 out of 5 stars

Excellent Course; Particularly as Review

By
Qoheleth
on
01-12-19

The Theory of Everything: The Quest to Explain All Reality

By:
Don Lincoln,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Don Lincoln

Length: 12 hrs and 21 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
209

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
187

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
187

At the end of his career, Albert Einstein was pursuing a dream far more ambitious than the theory of relativity. He was trying to find an equation that explained all physical reality - a theory of everything. Experimental physicist and award-winning educator Dr. Don Lincoln takes you on this exciting journey in The Theory of Everything: The Quest to Explain All Reality. Suitable for the intellectually curious at all levels and assuming no background beyond basic high-school math, these 24 half-hour lectures cover recent developments at the forefront of particle physics and cosmology.

5 out of 5 stars

Audible’s Best Science Offering, A Gem

By
MikeB
on
12-08-18

Understanding the Inventions That Changed the World

By:
W. Bernard Carlson,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
W. Bernard Carlson

Length: 17 hrs and 25 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
88

Performance

4 out of 5 stars
79

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
80

Now, you can learn the remarkable stories surrounding monumental inventions - and how consequential these inventions were to history. Taught by Professor W. Bernard Carlson of the University of Virginia, who is an expert on the role of innovation in history, these 36 enlightening lectures give you a broad survey of material history, from the ancient pottery wheel to the Internet and social media. Along with recounting the famous inventions you might expect, this course explores a number of surprising innovations, including beer, pagodas, and the operating room.

5 out of 5 stars

Great content but poor editing on the delivery

By
Michael
on
12-22-18

Big Data: How Data Analytics Is Transforming the World

By:
Tim Chartier,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Tim Chartier

Length: 12 hrs and 41 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4 out of 5 stars
59

Performance

4 out of 5 stars
54

Story

4 out of 5 stars
53

In our age of accelerating progress in so many fields, it’s easy to lose sight of the underlying innovation that makes the data analytics revolution possible. These 24 lectures introduce you to the key concepts, methods, and accomplishments of this versatile approach to problem solving. You need no expertise in mathematics to follow this exciting story. Tim Chartier, professor of mathematics and computer science, explains the basic computational techniques used in data analytics, but his focus is on how these ideas are applied and the amazing results they achieve.

1 out of 5 stars

Huge disappointment as "audio book"

By
Paananen Marko H S
on
02-07-19

Black Holes, Tides, and Curved Spacetime

By:
Benjamin Schumacher,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Benjamin Schumacher

Length: 12 hrs and 6 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
42

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
37

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
37

Gravity controls everything from the falling of an apple to the rising of ocean’s tides to the motions of the heavens above. If you’ve ever wondered how this most puzzling force works across our entire universe, you will be delighted by this 24-part course that is accessible to any curious person, regardless of your science education. No other product on the market presents the subject of gravity in as much detail as this course, which will follow the past 400 years of research and experimentation in the field.

3 out of 5 stars

Good freshman high school lecture

By
Ron A. Parsons
on
01-29-19

The Intelligent Brain

By:
Richard J. Haier,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Richard J. Haier

Length: 8 hrs and 43 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
31

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
25

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
26

No feature of the mind is as important, controversial, and mysterious as intelligence. It is the epitome of brain function, and it has a powerful influence on success in life. Now in The Intelligent Brain, taught by one of the world’s foremost researchers on intelligence, Professor Richard J. Haier of the University of California, Irvine, you’ll trace the fascinating history of intelligence testing and its leading thinkers, as well as what brain imaging studies and the most recent research findings reveal about this most complex of human phenomena.

5 out of 5 stars

Excellent review of the Science

By
Trebla
on
12-12-18

The Remarkable Science of Ancient Astronomy

By:
Bradley E. Schaefer,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Bradley E. Schaefer

Length: 11 hrs and 51 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4 out of 5 stars
25

Performance

4 out of 5 stars
23

Story

4 out of 5 stars
22

The Sun, Moon, and stars are crucial to your daily existence. The perfect regularity of the heavens is the only guaranteed part of life and inspires deep religious and philosophical ideas, while unexpected events such as eclipses and comets incite fear. Experience this ancient outlook with noted astrophysicist and historian of astronomy Professor Bradley Schaefer of Louisiana State University. An award-winning teacher, Dr. Schaefer takes you around the world, exploring the close relationship that people thousands of years ago had with the sky.

4 out of 5 stars

The performance was not the problem

By
Mark J
on
03-14-19

The Life and Death of Stars

By:
Keivan G. Stassun,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Keivan G. Stassun

Length: 11 hrs and 51 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
21

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
18

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
18

We understand the stars at a much deeper level, not as legendary figures connected with constellations, but as engines of matter, energy, and the raw material of life itself. The Life and Death of Stars introduces you to this story in 24 half-hour lectures that lead you through the essential ideas of astrophysics - the science of stars. Your guide is Professor Stassun, an award-winning teacher and noted astrophysicist. He provides lively, eloquent, and authoritative explanations at a level suitable for science novices as well as for those who already know their way around the starry sky.

4 out of 5 stars

Stassun keeps referring to visual material

By
pondo
on
12-27-18

Mastering Stage Presence: How to Present to Any Audience

By:
Melanie M. Long,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Melanie M. Long

Length: 12 hrs and 23 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4 out of 5 stars
12

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
10

Story

4 out of 5 stars
10

The skills of poise, physical ease in public, clarity of speaking, and engaging, effective communication are well understood and can be practiced and developed in ways that will greatly improve your success in presenting yourself in any setting. Melanie Martin Long, a celebrated teacher of acting and directing, leads you in an in-depth exploration of the skills - and the joy - of performance and self-presentation. With the skills you’ll develop, you can confidently step forward as a performer or presenter, offering your best self to the world in any setting.

3 out of 5 stars

Well presented, just challenging as audio book

By
M. Venverloh
on
02-27-19

How Colors Affect You: What Science Reveals

By:
William Lidwell,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
William Lidwell

Length: 3 hrs and 15 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
102

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
80

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
81

A must-have course for corporate leaders, design professionals, marketers, and anyone else who communicates visually, How Colors Affect You tells you everything you need to know about the science of color and its impact on all aspects of human experience. These lectures will give you a beautiful new perspective on color - one rooted in credible scientific knowledge and not popular myth.

2 out of 5 stars

Annoyed

By
Steve Herrmann
on
04-07-19

Plant Science: An Introduction to Botany

By:
Catherine Kleier,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Catherine Kleier

Length: 12 hrs and 13 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
90

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
84

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
84

Dr. Catherine Kleier invites us to open our eyes to the phenomenal world of plant life and to the process she calls “Natura Revelata”, the joy of celebrating and learning from the secrets of nature. As Dr. Kleier shares her knowledge with contagious excitement for her subject, she emphasizes the middle ground: Instead of focusing on cell microbiology or the study of ecosystems and habitats, she stresses the basic biology, function, and the amazing adaptations of the plants we see all around us.

“A detailed historical and musical exploration of 30 orchestral masterworks, from Vivaldi and J.S. Bach to Copland and Shostakovich.”

Editor's Pick

The Addictive Brain

By:
Thad A. Polk,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Thad A. Polk

Length: 6 hrs and 19 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
2,732

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
2,409

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
2,388

The Addictive Brain is a fair and balanced investigation of addiction, backed by hard science and behavioral science. Most of us have probably seen the old antidrug commercial in which an actor compares your brain on drugs to an egg sizzling in a hot frying pan. That's a powerful image, but it doesn't tell us what actually happens when drugs enter your body and interact with neurochemical processes.

5 out of 5 stars

Very interesting and in depth

By
Matthew Bukovicky
on
04-27-15

Universal and Timely

We all have our addictions. Whether its social media, video games, oatmeal raisin cookies, or something more intense--it can be incredibly frustrating to feel like you are at the whim of your compulsive desires. What was once a source of enjoyment quickly becomes a fulcrum of pain and confusion. To appropriately confront addiction, it's important to stay informed. Professor Thad A. Polk's concise yet extensive exploration of the mechanics of addiction offers hope as much as it does a fascinating dissection of a nearly universal ailment.

Newest Courses

Take My Course, Please! The Philosophy of Humor

By:
Steven Gimbel,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Steven Gimbel

Length: 11 hrs and 30 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4 out of 5 stars
43

Performance

4 out of 5 stars
38

Story

4 out of 5 stars
38

In recent decades, the philosophy of humor has been recognized as a legitimate subfield of philosophy. The reason for this? Because to understand how humor works is to better understand the nature of human experience. In these 24 insightful, informative, illuminating, and (yes) humorous lectures, explore the philosophical theories and explanations of humor, from blatantly obvious puns to complex narratives to sly twists of language.

5 out of 5 stars

funny,

By
LaPortaMA
on
02-21-19

The Great Tours: England, Scotland, and Wales

By:
Patrick N. Allitt,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Patrick N. Allitt

Length: 17 hrs and 56 mins

Original Recording

Overall

5 out of 5 stars
23

Performance

5 out of 5 stars
23

Story

5 out of 5 stars
23

Taught by acclaimed Professor Patrick Allitt, a British-born scholar who teaches at Emory University, these 36 splendid lectures give you an insider’s take on traveling through Great Britain. Whether you are planning a week-long vacation, a month-long grand tour, or just want to experience England, Scotland, and Wales from afar, this immersive course takes you on a voyage through not only the most popular tourist sites but also a trove of “hidden gems” overlooked by the traditional guidebooks.

5 out of 5 stars

Allitt is the best

By
Chris B
on
03-08-19

Investigating American Presidents

By:
Paul Rosenzweig,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Professor Paul Rosenzweig JD

Length: 6 hrs and 36 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
39

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
32

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
33

The office of the president of the United States of America is one that can shape not just a nation but the entire world. But what limits are there if any on presidential power? These 12 eyeopening, timely lectures examine the ins and outs of presidential investigations using past events as a lens through which to make sense of current (and future) ones. With his political and legal insights, Professor Rosenzweig walks you through the entire path of investigating potential misuse of presidential power, from the establishment of legislative committees to the impeachment process.

5 out of 5 stars

Balanced and Authoritative

By
Peirce C.S.
on
11-24-18

How Winston Churchill Changed the World

By:
Michael Shelden,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Michael Shelden

Length: 11 hrs and 42 mins

Original Recording

Overall

5 out of 5 stars
78

Performance

5 out of 5 stars
71

Story

5 out of 5 stars
71

Guiding you chronologically through the life and times of this master statesman, Professor Shelden takes you from the dawn of Churchill’s political career to his final years in a much-changed geopolitical landscape. You’ll examine Churchill’s beginnings as a young liberal statesman, his rise to the Admiralty and his relentless push for an imposing naval force, his fight against the Nazis, his equally dramatic postwar career suspended between two different cold wars (against the Soviets and Britain’s Labour party), and more.

In Masters of Mindfulness, 11 top researchers and proponents of mindfulness discuss what modern science and contemporary research have revealed about this ancient practice and the many ways in which it can benefit your life. These 22 lectures present a unique and extraordinary opportunity, bringing a diverse group of renowned specialists together in one place for the first time to share their own personal experiences and their latest research, and to guide you through several mindfulness exercises.

Understanding Russia

A Cultural History

By:
Lynne Ann Hartnett,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Lynne Ann Hartnett

Length: 12 hrs and 56 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
142

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
124

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
124

From the earliest recorded history of the Russian state, its people have sought to define their place in the world. And while many of us look to make sense of Russia through its political history, in many ways a real grasp of this awe-inspiring country comes from looking closely at its cultural achievements. The 24 lectures of Understanding Russia: A Cultural History survey hundreds of years of Russian culture, from the world of Ivan the Terrible to the dawn of the Soviet Union to the post-war tensions of Putin’s Russia.

4 out of 5 stars

Good American overview of Russia

By
Jeffrey L. Smith, PE
on
10-21-18

How to Build a Thriving Workplace: A Leader’s Guide

By:
Beth Cabrera,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Beth Cabrera

Length: 6 hrs

Original Recording

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
30

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
26

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
26

Multiple studies show a clear link between businesses that attend to their employees’ well-being and the bottom line. In fact, the profit of companies with the strongest focus on employee experience is about four times higher than the average. If you take care of your employees, they will take care of your customers, and your shareholders will do well, too. How to Build a Thriving Workplace: A Leader’s Guide will tell you how to identify and implement relatively simple and inexpensive changes to improve your employees’ work environment and positively impact your bottom line.

3 out of 5 stars

Good, Not Great

By
Ryan
on
05-10-19

Crashes and Crises: Lessons from a History of Financial Disasters

By:
Connel Fullenkamp,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Connel Fullenkamp

Length: 11 hrs and 16 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
559

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
495

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
491

Professor Connel Fullenkamp of Duke University guides listeners through four centuries of economic disasters - from tulip mania in the 1600s to the Great Recession of 2007-2009. Each of his 24 lectures covers a notable incident of financial misfortune or folly that is worthy of a Hollywood thriller.

5 out of 5 stars

BEST explainer out there hits a new high level

By
Philo
on
09-22-18

A New History of the American South

By:
Edward L. Ayers,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Edward L. Ayers

Length: 10 hrs and 45 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
103

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
94

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
93

To know the history of the American South, within its own context, is to come to terms with one of modern history’s most astonishing, polarizing, and illuminating stories. In these 24 lectures, you’ll relive the unforgettable drama of the South, from the rise and fall of the slave South to the making of the New South, examining the full scope of a historical epoch that still affects life in the United States today.

5 out of 5 stars

You can’t stop listening

By
Gawel
on
09-03-18

Take My Course, Please! The Philosophy of Humor

By:
Steven Gimbel,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Steven Gimbel

Length: 11 hrs and 30 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4 out of 5 stars
43

Performance

4 out of 5 stars
38

Story

4 out of 5 stars
38

In recent decades, the philosophy of humor has been recognized as a legitimate subfield of philosophy. The reason for this? Because to understand how humor works is to better understand the nature of human experience. In these 24 insightful, informative, illuminating, and (yes) humorous lectures, explore the philosophical theories and explanations of humor, from blatantly obvious puns to complex narratives to sly twists of language.

5 out of 5 stars

funny,

By
LaPortaMA
on
02-21-19

The Great Tours: England, Scotland, and Wales

By:
Patrick N. Allitt,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Patrick N. Allitt

Length: 17 hrs and 56 mins

Original Recording

Overall

5 out of 5 stars
23

Performance

5 out of 5 stars
23

Story

5 out of 5 stars
23

Taught by acclaimed Professor Patrick Allitt, a British-born scholar who teaches at Emory University, these 36 splendid lectures give you an insider’s take on traveling through Great Britain. Whether you are planning a week-long vacation, a month-long grand tour, or just want to experience England, Scotland, and Wales from afar, this immersive course takes you on a voyage through not only the most popular tourist sites but also a trove of “hidden gems” overlooked by the traditional guidebooks.

5 out of 5 stars

Allitt is the best

By
Chris B
on
03-08-19

Investigating American Presidents

By:
Paul Rosenzweig,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Professor Paul Rosenzweig JD

Length: 6 hrs and 36 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
39

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
32

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
33

The office of the president of the United States of America is one that can shape not just a nation but the entire world. But what limits are there if any on presidential power? These 12 eyeopening, timely lectures examine the ins and outs of presidential investigations using past events as a lens through which to make sense of current (and future) ones. With his political and legal insights, Professor Rosenzweig walks you through the entire path of investigating potential misuse of presidential power, from the establishment of legislative committees to the impeachment process.

5 out of 5 stars

Balanced and Authoritative

By
Peirce C.S.
on
11-24-18

How Winston Churchill Changed the World

By:
Michael Shelden,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Michael Shelden

Length: 11 hrs and 42 mins

Original Recording

Overall

5 out of 5 stars
78

Performance

5 out of 5 stars
71

Story

5 out of 5 stars
71

Guiding you chronologically through the life and times of this master statesman, Professor Shelden takes you from the dawn of Churchill’s political career to his final years in a much-changed geopolitical landscape. You’ll examine Churchill’s beginnings as a young liberal statesman, his rise to the Admiralty and his relentless push for an imposing naval force, his fight against the Nazis, his equally dramatic postwar career suspended between two different cold wars (against the Soviets and Britain’s Labour party), and more.

In Masters of Mindfulness, 11 top researchers and proponents of mindfulness discuss what modern science and contemporary research have revealed about this ancient practice and the many ways in which it can benefit your life. These 22 lectures present a unique and extraordinary opportunity, bringing a diverse group of renowned specialists together in one place for the first time to share their own personal experiences and their latest research, and to guide you through several mindfulness exercises.

Understanding Russia

A Cultural History

By:
Lynne Ann Hartnett,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Lynne Ann Hartnett

Length: 12 hrs and 56 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
142

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
124

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
124

From the earliest recorded history of the Russian state, its people have sought to define their place in the world. And while many of us look to make sense of Russia through its political history, in many ways a real grasp of this awe-inspiring country comes from looking closely at its cultural achievements. The 24 lectures of Understanding Russia: A Cultural History survey hundreds of years of Russian culture, from the world of Ivan the Terrible to the dawn of the Soviet Union to the post-war tensions of Putin’s Russia.

4 out of 5 stars

Good American overview of Russia

By
Jeffrey L. Smith, PE
on
10-21-18

How to Build a Thriving Workplace: A Leader’s Guide

By:
Beth Cabrera,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Beth Cabrera

Length: 6 hrs

Original Recording

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
30

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
26

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
26

Multiple studies show a clear link between businesses that attend to their employees’ well-being and the bottom line. In fact, the profit of companies with the strongest focus on employee experience is about four times higher than the average. If you take care of your employees, they will take care of your customers, and your shareholders will do well, too. How to Build a Thriving Workplace: A Leader’s Guide will tell you how to identify and implement relatively simple and inexpensive changes to improve your employees’ work environment and positively impact your bottom line.

3 out of 5 stars

Good, Not Great

By
Ryan
on
05-10-19

Crashes and Crises: Lessons from a History of Financial Disasters

By:
Connel Fullenkamp,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Connel Fullenkamp

Length: 11 hrs and 16 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
559

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
495

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
491

Professor Connel Fullenkamp of Duke University guides listeners through four centuries of economic disasters - from tulip mania in the 1600s to the Great Recession of 2007-2009. Each of his 24 lectures covers a notable incident of financial misfortune or folly that is worthy of a Hollywood thriller.

5 out of 5 stars

BEST explainer out there hits a new high level

By
Philo
on
09-22-18

A New History of the American South

By:
Edward L. Ayers,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Edward L. Ayers

Length: 10 hrs and 45 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
103

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
94

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
93

To know the history of the American South, within its own context, is to come to terms with one of modern history’s most astonishing, polarizing, and illuminating stories. In these 24 lectures, you’ll relive the unforgettable drama of the South, from the rise and fall of the slave South to the making of the New South, examining the full scope of a historical epoch that still affects life in the United States today.

5 out of 5 stars

You can’t stop listening

By
Gawel
on
09-03-18

Ancient Civilizations of North America

By:
Edwin Barnhart,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Edwin Barnhart

Length: 12 hrs and 19 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,240

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,137

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,130

For the past few hundred years, most of what we’ve been taught about the native cultures of North America came from reports authored by the conquerors and colonizers who destroyed them. Now - with the technological advances of modern archaeology and a new perspective on world history - we are finally able to piece together their compelling true stories. In Ancient Civilizations of North America, Professor Edwin Barnhart, Director of the Maya Exploration Center, will open your eyes to a fascinating world you never knew existed - even though you’ve been living right next to it, or even on top of it.

5 out of 5 stars

A different perspective - civilizations not tribes

By
Steve Goppert
on
07-26-18

iRest: Integrative Restoration Yoga Nidra for Deep Relaxation

By:
Molly Birkholm,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Molly Birkholm

Length: 13 hrs and 34 mins

Original Recording

Overall

5 out of 5 stars
20

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
19

Story

5 out of 5 stars
17

The form of research-based meditation known as Integrative Restoration (or iRest®) has helped special operations troops improve their resiliency, executives manage stress, cancer patients cope with pain, and trauma survivors experience safety and healing. Now, bring the practice right into your life and home in these 24 classes.

5 out of 5 stars

Love this course!

By
JWojo
on
08-19-18

Sci-Phi: Science Fiction as Philosophy

By:
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Professor David K. Johnson PhD University of Oklahoma

Length: 13 hrs and 31 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
271

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
248

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
244

The science fiction genre has become increasingly influential in mainstream popular culture, evolving into one of the most engaging storytelling tools we use to think about technology and consider the shape of the future. Along the way, it has also become one of the major lenses we use to explore important philosophical questions. The origins of science fiction are most often thought to trace to Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein, a story born from a night of spooky tale-telling by the fireside that explores scientific, moral, and ethical questions that were of great concern in the 19th century - and that continue to resonate today.

4 out of 5 stars

It only scratches the surface

By
Marcos Trujillo Cue
on
06-14-18

Athenian Democracy: An Experiment for the Ages

By:
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Professor Robert Garland PhD University College London

Length: 12 hrs and 40 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
54

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
49

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
49

Roughly 2,500 years ago, the Athenian people established a radical democracy in which power derived from the votes of everyday citizens. At a time when local governments ranged from oligarchy to tyranny, the elite classes of Athens gradually ceded power to the inexperienced masses, whose votes served as referendums for everything from taxation to war to welfare. The sequence of events that led to this development is astonishing, and the society that flourished under Athenian democracy is one of the greatest - even if greatly flawed - achievements in world history.

5 out of 5 stars

Second course from this excellent professor

By
Paul M. Floyd
on
07-24-18

Renaissance: The Transformation of the West

By:
Jennifer McNabb,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Jennifer McNabb

Length: 26 hrs and 35 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
88

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
77

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
78

While it’s easy to get caught up - and, rightfully so - in the art of the Renaissance, you cannot have a full, rounded understanding of just how important these centuries were without digging beneath the surface, without investigating the period in terms of its politics, its spirituality, its philosophies, its economics, and its societies. Do just that with these 48 lectures that consider the European Renaissance from all sides, that disturb traditional understandings, that tip sacred cows, and that enlarges our understanding of how the Renaissance revolutionized the Western world.

5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic Course!

By
Beth Carlson
on
08-21-18

The Learning Brain

By:
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Professor Thad A. Polk PhD Carnegie Mellon University

Length: 12 hrs and 23 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
456

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
399

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
391

One of the most complicated and advanced computers on Earth can't be purchased in any store. This astonishing device, responsible for storing and retrieving vast quantities of information that can be accessed at a moment's notice, is the human brain. How does such a dynamic and powerful machine make memories, learn a language, and remember how to drive a car? What habits can we adopt in order to learn more effectively throughout our lives? The answers to these questions are merely the tip of the iceberg in The Learning Brain.

5 out of 5 stars

good lectures about learning and the brain

By
T. Christman
on
08-01-18

Capitalism vs. Socialism: Comparing Economic Systems

By:
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Professor Edward F. Stuart PhD

Length: 11 hrs and 59 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
359

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
325

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
322

Ever since we produced our course Thinking About Capitalism, customers have expressed interest in a follow-up course that could help them understand socialism in the same way. After much consideration, we determined that it actually would be more beneficial to create a course that compares and contrasts the two major global economic theories, examining them in ways that move past the polemics many of us are used to and looking at these systems as they relate to one another and the world at large.

3 out of 5 stars

Good course, misleading title

By
Marc Mallette
on
07-06-18

The Celtic World

By:
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Professor Jennifer Paxton PhD

Length: 12 hrs and 52 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
724

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
666

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
659

Following the surge of interest and pride in Celtic identity since the 19th century, much of what we thought we knew about the Celts has been radically transformed. In The Celtic World, discover the incredible story of the Celtic-speaking peoples, whose art, language, and culture once spread from Ireland to Austria. This series of 24 enlightening lectures explains the traditional historical view of who the Celts were, then contrasts it with brand-new evidence from DNA analysis and archeology that totally changes our perspective on where the Celts came from.

4 out of 5 stars

I wish this had a different title

By
Kindle Customer
on
06-20-18

Thinking About Religion and Violence

By:
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Professor Jason C. Bivins PhD

Length: 12 hrs and 23 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
90

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
84

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
84

In a world where violence in the name of religion can impact so many other people's lives, it's critical to understand the intersection between religion and violence. What's required is not to see religion as inherently violent but to recognize that the violence associated with religious groups and communities is worth exploring and interrogating. In these 24 lectures, embark on a global, multidisciplinary investigation of religious violence. Delivered with honesty and sensitivity to the diversity of spiritual beliefs, these lectures examine the roots of this phenomenon and guide you toward more informed ways of thinking about it.

5 out of 5 stars

A brave and unflinching set of lectures

By
Mark
on
04-28-18

Dive Deep into Your Favorite Genre

How Great Science Fiction Works

By:
Gary K. Wolfe,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Gary K. Wolfe

Length: 12 hrs and 31 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,792

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,611

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,578

Robots, spaceships, futuristic megacities, planets orbiting distant stars. These icons of science fiction are now in our daily news. Science fiction, once maligned as mere pulp, has motivated cutting-edge scientific research, inspired new technologies, and changed how we view everyday life - and its themes and questions permeate popular culture. Take an unparalleled look at the influence, history, and greatest works of science fiction with illuminating insights and fascinating facts about this wide-ranging genre.

5 out of 5 stars

Deserves a Hugo of Its Own

By
Carol
on
02-01-16

Great Utopian and Dystopian Works of Literature

By:
Pamela Bedore,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Pamela Bedore

Length: 12 hrs and 27 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
774

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
698

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
689

Can literature change our real world society? At its foundation, utopian and dystopian fiction asks a few seemingly simple questions aimed at doing just that. Who are we as a society? Who do we want to be? Who are we afraid we might become? When these questions are framed in the speculative versions of Heaven and Hell on earth, you won't find easy answers, but you will find tremendously insightful and often entertaining perspectives.

5 out of 5 stars

A very enjoyable and educational audiobook

By
N. H.
on
04-06-17

The Secrets of Great Mystery and Suspense Fiction

By:
David Schmid,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
David Schmid

Length: 18 hrs and 56 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4 out of 5 stars
210

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
179

Story

4 out of 5 stars
175

Great mystery and suspense writers have created some of the most unforgettable stories in all of literature. Even those who don't consider themselves fans of this intriguing genre are familiar with names such as Hercule Poirot, Sam Spade, Hannibal Lecter, and Robert Langdon, and understand the deep and lasting impact this writing has had on literature as a whole.

3 out of 5 stars

As someone else said, “mis-titled”

By
C. Buczkowski
on
01-25-18

A Children's Guide to Folklore and Wonder Tales

By:
The Great Courses,
Hannah B. Harvey

Narrated by:
Hannah B. Harvey

Length: 12 hrs and 27 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4 out of 5 stars
96

Performance

4 out of 5 stars
87

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
84

In
The Children's Guide to Folklore and Wonder Tales, Dr. Hannah Blevins Harvey unpacks more than 60 of our most beloved stories, fables, fairy tales, and songs from around the world - providing you with a fascinating, in-depth view into the history, context, and deeper meaning of the tales we know and love. As you travel through the catalogs of Grimm, Aesop, Hans Christian Andersen, Charles Perrault, Oscar Wilde, and so many more, you'll gain profound insights into how and why these stories came to be.

5 out of 5 stars

Interesting material

By
Amazon Customer
on
08-13-17

How Great Science Fiction Works

By:
Gary K. Wolfe,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Gary K. Wolfe

Length: 12 hrs and 31 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,792

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,611

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,578

Robots, spaceships, futuristic megacities, planets orbiting distant stars. These icons of science fiction are now in our daily news. Science fiction, once maligned as mere pulp, has motivated cutting-edge scientific research, inspired new technologies, and changed how we view everyday life - and its themes and questions permeate popular culture. Take an unparalleled look at the influence, history, and greatest works of science fiction with illuminating insights and fascinating facts about this wide-ranging genre.

5 out of 5 stars

Deserves a Hugo of Its Own

By
Carol
on
02-01-16

Great Utopian and Dystopian Works of Literature

By:
Pamela Bedore,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Pamela Bedore

Length: 12 hrs and 27 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
774

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
698

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
689

Can literature change our real world society? At its foundation, utopian and dystopian fiction asks a few seemingly simple questions aimed at doing just that. Who are we as a society? Who do we want to be? Who are we afraid we might become? When these questions are framed in the speculative versions of Heaven and Hell on earth, you won't find easy answers, but you will find tremendously insightful and often entertaining perspectives.

5 out of 5 stars

A very enjoyable and educational audiobook

By
N. H.
on
04-06-17

The Secrets of Great Mystery and Suspense Fiction

By:
David Schmid,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
David Schmid

Length: 18 hrs and 56 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4 out of 5 stars
210

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
179

Story

4 out of 5 stars
175

Great mystery and suspense writers have created some of the most unforgettable stories in all of literature. Even those who don't consider themselves fans of this intriguing genre are familiar with names such as Hercule Poirot, Sam Spade, Hannibal Lecter, and Robert Langdon, and understand the deep and lasting impact this writing has had on literature as a whole.

3 out of 5 stars

As someone else said, “mis-titled”

By
C. Buczkowski
on
01-25-18

A Children's Guide to Folklore and Wonder Tales

By:
The Great Courses,
Hannah B. Harvey

Narrated by:
Hannah B. Harvey

Length: 12 hrs and 27 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4 out of 5 stars
96

Performance

4 out of 5 stars
87

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
84

In
The Children's Guide to Folklore and Wonder Tales, Dr. Hannah Blevins Harvey unpacks more than 60 of our most beloved stories, fables, fairy tales, and songs from around the world - providing you with a fascinating, in-depth view into the history, context, and deeper meaning of the tales we know and love. As you travel through the catalogs of Grimm, Aesop, Hans Christian Andersen, Charles Perrault, Oscar Wilde, and so many more, you'll gain profound insights into how and why these stories came to be.

5 out of 5 stars

Interesting material

By
Amazon Customer
on
08-13-17

Explore the History of Different Cultures

Understanding Japan

A Cultural History

By:
Mark J. Ravina,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Mark J. Ravina

Length: 12 hrs

Original Recording

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,872

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,679

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,668

In an exciting partnership with the Smithsonian, The Great Courses presents these 24 lectures that offer an unforgettable tour of Japanese life and culture. Professor Ravina, with the expert collaboration of the Smithsonian's historians, brings you a grand portrait of Japan.

5 out of 5 stars

Very interesting and informative

By
Amazon Customer
on
04-04-16

The History of Spain: Land on a Crossroad

By:
Joyce E. Salisbury,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Joyce E. Salisbury

Length: 12 hrs and 4 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
525

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
479

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
474

Spain has played a unique and essential role in Western civilization. To understand the unfolding of Spain's epic history is to come to terms with one of the West's great cultures, and to grasp its enduring presence and impact on the world stage. In these 24 accessible lectures, Professor Salisbury presents a broad and enthralling panorama of Spanish history, covering the centuries from the first prehistoric settlement of the peninsula to Spain's 20th century civil war.

4 out of 5 stars

As much travelogue as history

By
Amazon Customer
on
10-22-17

A History of India

By:
Michael H. Fisher,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Michael H. Fisher

Length: 18 hrs and 22 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4 out of 5 stars
701

Performance

4 out of 5 stars
624

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
624

Over 5,000 years, India has been home to a rich tapestry of peoples and cultures. Two of the world's great religions - Hinduism and Buddhism - have their origins in South Asia, and the lands east of the Indus River have long been a central hub for trade, migration, and cultural exchange. Today the subcontinent contains 20 percent of the world's population and is a thriving center for global business, making this region one of most significant economic powerhouses in the world.

2 out of 5 stars

For beginners only

By
Lams63
on
02-10-17

Native Peoples of North America

By:
Daniel M. Cobb,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Daniel M. Cobb

Length: 12 hrs and 35 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4 out of 5 stars
330

Performance

4 out of 5 stars
297

Story

4 out of 5 stars
295

The Great Courses has partnered with Smithsonian to bring you a course that will greatly expand your understanding of American history. This course,
Native Peoples of North America, pairs the unmatched resources and expertise of the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian with the unparalleled knowledge of Professor Daniel M. Cobb of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to provide a multidisciplinary view of American history.

4 out of 5 stars

Could be much better

By
Amazon Customer
on
04-26-17

Understanding Japan

A Cultural History

By:
Mark J. Ravina,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Mark J. Ravina

Length: 12 hrs

Original Recording

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,872

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,679

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,668

In an exciting partnership with the Smithsonian, The Great Courses presents these 24 lectures that offer an unforgettable tour of Japanese life and culture. Professor Ravina, with the expert collaboration of the Smithsonian's historians, brings you a grand portrait of Japan.

5 out of 5 stars

Very interesting and informative

By
Amazon Customer
on
04-04-16

The History of Spain: Land on a Crossroad

By:
Joyce E. Salisbury,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Joyce E. Salisbury

Length: 12 hrs and 4 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
525

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
479

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
474

Spain has played a unique and essential role in Western civilization. To understand the unfolding of Spain's epic history is to come to terms with one of the West's great cultures, and to grasp its enduring presence and impact on the world stage. In these 24 accessible lectures, Professor Salisbury presents a broad and enthralling panorama of Spanish history, covering the centuries from the first prehistoric settlement of the peninsula to Spain's 20th century civil war.

4 out of 5 stars

As much travelogue as history

By
Amazon Customer
on
10-22-17

A History of India

By:
Michael H. Fisher,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Michael H. Fisher

Length: 18 hrs and 22 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4 out of 5 stars
701

Performance

4 out of 5 stars
624

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
624

Over 5,000 years, India has been home to a rich tapestry of peoples and cultures. Two of the world's great religions - Hinduism and Buddhism - have their origins in South Asia, and the lands east of the Indus River have long been a central hub for trade, migration, and cultural exchange. Today the subcontinent contains 20 percent of the world's population and is a thriving center for global business, making this region one of most significant economic powerhouses in the world.

2 out of 5 stars

For beginners only

By
Lams63
on
02-10-17

Native Peoples of North America

By:
Daniel M. Cobb,
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Daniel M. Cobb

Length: 12 hrs and 35 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4 out of 5 stars
330

Performance

4 out of 5 stars
297

Story

4 out of 5 stars
295

The Great Courses has partnered with Smithsonian to bring you a course that will greatly expand your understanding of American history. This course,
Native Peoples of North America, pairs the unmatched resources and expertise of the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian with the unparalleled knowledge of Professor Daniel M. Cobb of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to provide a multidisciplinary view of American history.